How did you know when it was time to go pro?

For me, turning pro wasn’t a decision I made, it was something that just kind of happened. I have always played poker, well at least since I was 18, and it has been a great source of income since then. In the beginning of 1999 I quit my last job to start my own business (a private courier firm). I ended up getting screwed out of the business by the guy I was going to partner with, so my only source of income was poker at the time.

I began to play more and more, and was considered one of the best rounders around Atlanta at the time. I decided to hit the road and play some tournaments and had great success, winning my first WSOP bracelet in May of 1999.

I kind of got a bit off the topic, but my best advice is just take it as it comes. When you are confident enough that a “real job” would end up costing you money because of the hours that it takes away from your poker, that’s when it’s time to start rounding. Best of luck to you when you finally decide to turn pro. Take it slow and don’t allow yourself to tilt. There is always a poker game somewhere, so there’s no need to be playing if you’re not at the top of your game.

What’s your best advice on getting over a slump? Stop playing?

Man, I know how you feel. It’s definitely the worst feeling in the world thinking that your opponent is going to beat you no matter what happens. You have to ask yourself one question: Are your opponents getting better, or are they just getting lucky? If they are getting better, it’s up to you to improve as well. If they are getting lucky, just stick to what you are doing and the old adage “the cream will rise to the top” will soon take place.

Any advice on moving up in limits? I want to build my bankroll and 1-2 no-limit or 6-12 limit just aren’t cutting it.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance at a bigger game once in a while. Wait until you are feeling real good about your game and until you see a game that looks ripe for the picking. If you take a hit, go back to the game that you beat on a regular basis. If you win, don’t be afraid to take another shot at the game. That’s how everyone moves up in limits. Unfortunately everyone isn’t blessed with a huge bankroll to start playing big limits right away. If you’re good enough (and lucky enough), you will put together a few good sessions in a row and you will have an adequate bankroll to play 5-10 NL on a regular basis.

I’m not saying jump right up into the 5-10 game, I’m simply saying, take a shot at the 2-4 or 3-6 game… if you find it’s too hard, go back down to what you’re comfortable at. I think 5-10 NL is the goal to make a good living as a pro. Best of luck in your mission. Keep me posted on how it works.

I’m attempting to start a poker career with very little money, is this possible? Is it possible to get a good business plan together and get investors for a bankroll?

If you are a proven player with good networking skills, it’s quite easy to find investors. Poker is very popular these days and there is a lot of dead money out there. A winning player can make great money in poker. My best advice is start on your own. It’s much easier on you if you start small and build up yourself. That way you get to make all the decisions yourself and never have to answer to anyone. Don’t be afraid to start small. If you’re good enough you can get in a game that makes you about $1,000-$2,000 a week in no time.

Don’t rush it though. A poker player’s worst enemy is lack of patience. Every top player out there has paid his dues. Even Doyle Brunson and Phil Ivey were playing $1-$2 limits at one time or another. I have very clear memories of driving home from $2-$4 limit poker games and slapping myself in the head because I lost $100! Losses come, you can bet on that. But it’s the great players who learn from those losses and use them as a strong foundation for a long career of winning poker.

If you’re looking for a better return on your time at the poker table, check out Million Dollar Sundays at Bookmaker Poker. Big Money, Guaranteed. THE best online poker tournament anywhere for US players.